Management Essentials for Christian Ministries
Overview
For a ministry to function at its peak effectiveness, it must function at its peak efficiency. The better an organization is run—whether it is a church, a denominational body, or a parachurch organization—the more it can bless those whom it seeks to minister.
Management Essentials for Christian Ministries is a thorough examination of management principles for Christian ministries and includes a list of contributors representing a diverse denominational cross section. Management Essentials for Christian Ministries is a treatment of all issues regarding church administration and function and provides a theological grounding for organizational approaches to church management.
Contributors include Dennis Williams, Gary Bredfelt, Gordon Coulter, Michael J. Anthony, James Estep, Jr., Jane Carr, Mark Henze, Mark Simpson, Michelle Anthony, Richard Leyda, and Tony Buchanaan.
Top Highlights
“Planning is defined as a process which starts with a mental picture of where you want to be at some future point in time (goal). It then lays out a course of action (strategy) in measurable steps (objectives) following the correct road signs (policies and procedures) so you can arrive at your destination using the resources available (personnel, budget, facilities, etc.). Effective leaders are able to articulate their destination in words that captivate and inspire others to follow. This is often referred to as a mission statement. This statement allows others who may not be able to foresee the future as clearly to have an idea about where the leader intends to take them.” (Pages 13–14)
“The third reason for management in Christian ministries is because the church has a mission and cannot accomplish that mission apart from coordinated effort.” (Page 11)
“A mission statement paints the general and broad stroke of the ministry. In a real sense it is a statement of philosophy with theological underpinnings. It provides the audience with the reason why the ministry is in existence. The vision statement, on the other hand, is far more precise, detailed, customized, and distinctive to each ministry. It provides the audience with the who, what, and how of its efforts.” (Page 60)
“Six major administrative paradigms are present in the public realm. These six paradigms reflect differing approaches to administration, particularly in regard to management’s role in increasing workers’ effectiveness, efficiency, and/or productivity.” (Page 35)
- Title: Management Essentials for Christian Ministries
- Editors: Michael Anthony and James Riley Estep
- Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
- Publication Date: 2005
- Pages: 454
Michael Anthony is professor of Christian Education at Biola University/Talbot School of Theology. Past president of the North American Professors of Christian Education, Dr. Anthony has authored numerous books in the field of non-profit management and serves as a consultant to non-profit ministries across North America.
James Estep, Jr. serves as professor of Christian Education and director of academic assessment and faculty development as well as associate dean of the Christian Ministries Field for Lincoln Christian College and Seminary. He has earned his Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He resides with his family in Lincoln, Illinois.
